News
IS Y&R Having To Make An Emergency Recast For Cynthia Watros' Kelly?
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Now that MTV has picked up the series Finding Carter that is set to star Daytime Emmy winner, Cynthia Watros and current Y&R star, that raises the question if indeed Watros will be staying put in her role of Kelly, or if she will be exiting the CBS soap opera?
Today, according to an item from Soap Opera Digest.com, they reveal that a casting call has gone out for a character who sounds suspiciously like Kelly.
The character description is reported to say it’s for the role of “Molly” who is described as a blonde in the mid-30s to 40 age range and “has been down a difficult path in life, but is beginning to live again.” A Y&R rep declined comment when asked by SOD if Watros was indeed leaving.
So, do you think? Is Watros is leaving Y&R? Do you hope she stays? If the show were to recast the role, who do you think would be a suitable replacement? Weigh-in!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
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News3 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
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Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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Stephanie Gatschet (ex-Tammy, GL & ex-Madison, AMC) … the perfect recast!
Too toung
She can’t do hot psycho babe, though.
This totally SUCKS! I’m not following her to MTV. Haven’t watched that channel in a good 15 years. Man, and she was just getting cray cray, too.
I hope Cynthia stays. She’s the only one with the power to save this character, other than maybe Gina Tognoni.
Gina Tognoni is phenomenal and would be a GREAT re-cast, if one is necessary. She can bring it ALL…bring the crazy, the empathy, the tenderness, the anger…top notch actress. Excellent suggestion, Daphne.
Question is–how does she get along with JFP? I actually can’t remember if their soap paths have crossed. I know Gina’s time on GL was long after JFP was gone, but she might have been on OLTL while JFP was there.
She’d be a great choice, I agree (and I’d be thrilled to see her wherever).
Gina worked under Farren Phelps on “One Life to Live” in 1999. They never worked together on “Guiding Light.”
Do not recast–make Kelly the one responsible for Delia’s death, not Adam. That way she can just go off to prison and everyone who treated Adam like the red headed bastard step child can feel guilty.
Good scenario
I agree!
oh my i sure hope that this is true make her responsible for DEDE’s death and not ADAM that way you can just write her out if she is the one to go. Adam (MM) needs to be brought back and Jlk can be fired and there has to be someone out there that can pick up on Bells love of this show before it falls out and into the gutter.
If need be, that is a really interesting suggestion, Harry. Hmmmm…maybe it’s headed this way.
And have her bastard child by Billy come back in 10 years as an adult…
That would be the best possible scenario. They can easily tie up her story and be done with the character. Kelly is NOT needed. I hope she does leave and she doesn’t need to be re-cast.
Period.
Exclamation Point!!
Good point. Kelly, and the actress who plays her is a big waste of air time!
As far as I’m concerned Y&R can do without this character.
Send her home packing.
I COULDN’T AGREE MORE!!!
Just get rid of her, she isnt needed and this was a complete waste of Cynthia Watros’ talent.
Have the affair come out and she leave town, buh bye Kelly.
Just pointless to recast a useless character when they arent using the vets.
Again.Totally works for me.She served no purpose on the show for me!!I don’t know what talent she has,but I didn’t see it on YR….
Beth Chamberlin.
period.
Puhlease! her range is electrifying
ex-beth spaulding, Guiding Light
she’d be hot…!!!! for Peter Bergman’ Jack… and including Stitch… even tho I want him for Victoria
Kelly Sullivan(cant help but want her in daytime) and Kelly would be perfect playing Kelly…her name even fits the part…lol
I totally agree either Kelly Sullivan or Bree Williamson(ex-Jessica OLTL)! And funny they both played DID roles!
Kelly Sullivan…. I’d love her back on daytime as well….
course, she could also play a smarter, intelligent, sophisticated, sexier, calculating, Sami Brady
I once said she’d make a good Sami too…but id be happy with her in any role…maybe as Sarah Horton?
OMG…They should hire!! TERRI CONN!! (Ex Katie Paretti from AS THE WORLD TURNS!! she would be perfect!!) or…. Cady McClain (Ex Daisy AMC and Ex Rosanna Cabot from ATWT) Please let them know about those ladies as long term choices!!
Can’t stand this character. Dump her already.
I don’t see the need for Kelly, but obviously if the stories have been scripted and she’s in them and the actress can’t play her— recasting seems sensible. Personally I like to see a fresh face in the role– I am getting rather tired of CBS recycling former soap stars into their shows. There must be talented actresses who need work who haven’t worked in daytime before but would welcome the gig– but most likely another displaced ABC star will find their way onto this show—
Get rid of her!! She’s USELESS!!
Just get rid of her, her character is useless.Victoria and Billy need to put their life together again. She is nothing but trouble. She is the one who hit Delia, so put her in Jail where she belongs.
I like Cynthia but I don’t see the point of this character.
Too bad Carrington Garland is not still acting (ex-Kelly, Santa Barbara) – she’d bee perfect for this roll and she still looks great.
I would watch her on screen
and wonder
“how can any one… be so beautiful”
AND … she could act
Yes! I never understood why they replaced her with Eileen Davidson. Eileen is amazing as Kristen on Days, but the gorgeous Carrington Garland was the best Kelly on Santa Barbara, in my opinion. Her chemistry with Roscoe Born and John Callahan was intense and she also played excellently with her look-alike sister Eden (Marcy Walker).
I was just starting to like this character.
I’d rather they write her out and then back in as an arc story if needed.
YR has had so many casting issues, that it needs some stability.
Have her leave because she finds she’s pregnant with Billy’s child, then come back with the baby. Oh, the trouble that would cause, for Stitch, Victoria AND Billy, because the guys would know about it and Victoria would find out.
Talk about yet another woman having your husband’s child!!
Oh please if they did that that would be the lamest story EVER– Billy and Victoria already faced that issue when Chelsea had Billy’s baby–no need to go down that road AGAIN— I do believe Vicky should find out about the affair, but I sincerely hope from the bottom of my heart they don’t have Kelly pregnant — that would make me want to throw a brick at my television– I like drama but let’s have something original.
the day … fans, learn… when, if ever, Victoria gets pregnant and carries to term… is a definite sneak and peak, for me.
I think this would break Victor “nastiness” and soften him up… and give him and Nikki something to love
I’d weep and watch my heartbeat Victoria’ mother
question… any one?
Has Reed always been on the show? the ‘biological’ son… she had with JT?
I don’t know why… in my mind… she never carried to term… a child…. reason I said as much
course.. it’s LOL… at the reason, perhaps.. she was in a coma… when she had Reed
i dont know… I just would love for the show to steer toward a softer Victor and delve more in to some family kinship and bonding…. cool Victors jets somwehat… he’s just not likeable… no reason to root for the Newmans… at all.
She is not the first actor to work on more than one show at a time. I hope she sticks around and if she leaves, it will be Y&R’s loss. She is an incredible actor and will be hard to replace. I love her in this role.
Cynthia Watros… was electrifying… as Annie Dutton, Guiding Light
salivate… for her talent…. LOL whew… any time… any one, other than the supercouple… comes close…. to snaring… that Man…..
ie: think Annie, Reva, and Josh….
no matter how nutted up she became… you wanted for her….. Josh, the prize… hummm… I think all the audience wouldn’t mind some of that
the other couple that almost made it… Crystal Chappell… Olivia… Wow… fireworks, sizzle, and take my pulse….. Olivia and Josh
alas… as we all know… Reva and Josh reunited for the grand finale
any way… a lil memory lane
Tamara Braun!
Love Cynthia Watros but let’s be real — would anyone miss this character if she just left town?
Since there was a Kelly White listed on both lists of black SVU owners (Victor’s and the Police), have her be Delia’s killer. Although her name is Andrews, White could be her maiden name. This will allow Adam’s return sooner than later. The character of Adam is essential.
She’s a waste of time. Good riddance.
I sure hope so
I could care less about the character of Kelly, however Terri Conn, and Tamara Braun come to my mind for a recast.
WOW…but not really a shock. I just don’t know, I have loved CW since her days being Annie and finding the right actor right now could be difficult. I don’t want YR rush into casting and once again find someone whom is or could be a miscast in the role.
So probably YR needs to step back and wait and maybe in 6-9 months after finding the right one but if YR is determined going forward than I suggest Kelley Menighan Hensley….she was excellent on ATWT. But whomever they cast NO MORE GH or ABC people…sorry but personally have someone that CBSers are familiar with and think of them because there are still many longtime viewers that are or have been dedicated to only CBS. There is plethora of unemployed actors from the CBS stock!!!
Cynthia’s staying with Y&R. You think she is going to give up on a character who is generally disliked? This is why she’s an actress.
She a good actress, but I see no reason to keep this character on the show. So, if she has to leave, I don’t think they should recast!
Hey, here’s an idea…I think that Y&R SHOULD NOT RECAST the role of Kelly. Y&R should just dump the character of Kelly…FOR GOOD!!!!! As far as I’m concerned, the acting talents of Cynthia Watros are being WASTED at Y&R. And, besides, Kelly is no Annie Dutton…LOL!!!!!
They do not need to recast Kelly seriously enough recast they should write her off the show end of story. They can modify the scenario and I agree with my friend who said that kelly is responsible for delia’s death that is how kelly should exit the series.
Nelson Branco is reporting this is actually a recast for Phyllis Newman!
Cyntia Watros certainly can act. If she has a chance to act on something not the soaps great. I don’t watch Y&R, so kill Farren Phelps is so good at killing people off she should just do it ! I could agree with Beth Chamberlain she can act. as for Terri Conn fergetaboutit. She cannot act for beans. JMO
Terri Conn and Beth Chamberlin are both amazing actresses. However…they are 20 years apart in age and should never be considered for the same role. So where is the conflict here?
Okay only 12 or so years apart, but you get my point. They play much different age ranges.
I think the fans have spoken loud and clear. When bad, misguided writing is involved not even a soap star can save it. The character of Kelly is useless, pointless, redundant, and does nothong for the show. Recasting would only further damage the situation.
Johnny…hell yeah, bro!!!!! AGREED!!!!! I think that Cynthia Watros should leave Y&R altogether to concentrate FULL-TIME on her new MTV series. And, Y-E-S…recasting the role of Kelly would only make matters W-O-R-S-E!!!!! End of story.
now with David Tom In, CW looks too old for him.
I had stopped watching and was channel surfing when I happened on an outstanding bit of acting done by Adam’s bloody hand. If they bring him back alive and it’s not MM, I won’t be lured back to the scene of the crime JFP is committing , which is the attempted murder of Y&R.
Well i hope she stays for a while although you can’t help but hate the character but it just shows what a brilliant actress Cynthia is.
Let Kelly go and stay gone. She’s useless!!
I love Cynthia Watros,as an actress…I would have hoped she stayed as Kelly…but I can understand if she has a chance to star in her own series …. Go for it & good luck to her~! 🙂